But he was cheered by scores of messages from fans, posted on websites and social network sites.

And the man himself was able to smile for a picture on his Twitter site and chat with supporters.

Pilkington, stretchered off during Town’s crucial 2-1 home win over Rochdale on Tuesday night, tweeted: “Just on way to the hospital in manchester! Meet the surgeon hopefully he might be able to do the op tonight!! ?”

Earlier in the day he had shown a sense of humour despite the pain by asking for a bacon butty and a caramel latte.

He said: “I got my caramel latte!! Help wash the morphine down.

“Thanks again for all the support and lovely tweets, it means a lot.”

Pilkington, who has been Town’s star performer this season, suffered a broken fibula and a dislocated left ankle.

He was hurt 13 minutes into the second half of Tuesday’s game.

He was treated on the pitch by club physio Dave Buckby and doctor Steve Feldman and then taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where he was detained overnight.

Town chairman Dean Hoyle revealed that it was the worst injury the doctor had seen in 25 years.

He said: “It was an horrendous injury and you can imagine the pain Anthony was in, and how horrific it was for the other players.

“His ankle had become detached from his leg and the doctor could not find a pulse, which was very worrying.

“But it seems it looked more horrific than it turned out and he will be having an operation tomorrow with the same surgeon who operated on Alan Smith.

“He is being upbeat and is in good hands. He will be out for the rest of the season.”

The operation in Manchester will be carried out by top surgeon Ashok Paul, who has treated many soccer stars.

Hoyle also issued a rallying call to supporters ahead of the final 11 games of the npower League One season: “Get behind the lads like never before!

“Everyone at Huddersfield Town – the directors, management, backroom staff, fellow players and supporters – would like to wish Anthony a speedy recovery from this injury.

“Our thoughts are with Anthony and his family at this time. I know the Pilkingtons and they are a very close knit bunch, so I know he will get the best possible support from his family; the club will echo this by ensuring he gets the best medical treatment available during his recovery.”

Hoyle went on to say that it is now up to everyone else to capitalise on the good position the club finds itself in, from staff to supporters.

“Anthony has played a big part in getting us into such a good position in the League, so it is now up to all of us to ensure that the next time he pulls on a Huddersfield Town shirt it is in the Championship.

“We have 11 games this season and I’d like to call on every supporter to get behind the team like never before. I know the players will give everything despite what has been a big shock to the system for all of them, but your support could really, genuinely make the difference over the next eight weeks.”